DPSU. DPSU CEO Todd Stitzer: "Consumers clearly value choice,
and unique brands such as Dr Pepper should be available wherever and whenever
consumers want them. All of our Dr Pepper bottler partners, including many
Coca-Cola bottlers, clearly value and support brands like Dr Pepper which
are important to their business, and we are extremely grateful for their
continuing consistent superior volume growth." Adds: "The Coca-Cola
Co on the other hand continues to use its dominant position, particularly
in the fountain and convenience channels, to attempt to systematically
eliminate freedom of choice for consumers. We at DPSU will continue to
do whatever it takes in whatever channel to assure that Dr Pepper and our
other great brands are available to consumers." Plus: "Based
on prior history, we expect to hold our own."

McDonald's. McDonald's franchisee tells BD: "(Coke's
program) would be a windfall for those of us that already are exclusive
to Coke." Adds: "My only complaint is I think they should have
pegged it to a restaurant's usage, not flat amounts. But I'm pleased."